The Great Escape has officially announced that the Québec-based duo Angine de Poitrine will headline its highly anticipated Opening Beach Party. The event, set to take place at The Deep End on Wednesday, 13 May, promises to launch the 2026 festival with a signature blend of high-energy, chaotic performance art.
The beachfront showcase will also feature a supporting set from the Montreal-based post-punk outfit Ribbon Skirt, rounding out a bill that emphasizes international discovery. The announcement follows the unfortunate cancellation of The Kooks, who were originally slated to perform a Spotlight Show that evening but were forced to withdraw due to injury.
Known for their eccentric live shows and a unique, leftfield approach to microtonal jam-rock, Angine de Poitrine are expected to make a significant impact on the Brighton seafront. Festival organizers have expressed confidence that the switch-up will provide a memorable, high-octane start to the four-day event.
The Opening Beach Party is a core component of the festival programme. Access is included with a standard festival wristband, though organizers note that entry is subject to venue capacity. Attendees are strongly encouraged to utilize the official festival app to plan their schedules and arrive early to ensure entry.
Returning to Brighton from 13–16 May, The Great Escape continues its tradition of highlighting emerging talent, with over 450 artists scheduled to perform across 35 venues. Alongside the live music, the festival will host its annual industry conference, further cementing its status as a vital hub for music discovery. For a festival built on the premise of the unexpected, this last-minute addition feels like a fittingly unpredictable start to the 2026 edition.
